RANSVESTIA

"Well, hi there, Lois,” she said. "Isn't this exciting? Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of being in this pageant and now it is hap- pening."

"Hi, Vicki," I replied somewhat nervously, "it is just super. I have been looking forward to this for quite a while too."

We talked awhile as she was getting ready and then Linda, our other roommate, came in. We all chatted as we finished our preparations.

Then it all started, a knock on the door and the words, "curtain in two minutes." We glanced at each other with smiling but nervous faces. We wished each other well and went out to line up for the introductions.

Then the curtain went up and the first girl was introduced. She walk- ed out, down the runway and back to her spot on stage as they introduc- ed the next one.

When I heard my name I swallowed hard, put on a happy but forced smile and started out. As I walked down the runway past the applaud- ing throng I saw Mr. Wise and Mr. Stockton. As I reached the end of the runway there was Connie. She gave me a reassuring smile and a wink which helped me tremendously. I returned to my spot on stage and started to relax a little from the opening excitement.

After all the girls were introduced we went back and changed for the bathing suit contest. I made the change without much trouble because Vicki and Linda were busy changing too and had no time or reason to watch me. We went out and lined up again, ready to parade out in our bathing suits.

After that everything went wonderful. The talent contest was over in what seemed like minutes with all the rushing around, changing, touch- ing up make-up and talking to the other girls.

The time had come to pick the top five finalists. We all went out on stage and sat in our predetermined seats with all eyes on the judges and the five seats on center stage. You could feel the tension mount as the judges finished their writing and handed the envelopes to the MC. He opened it and started to call out the names. The first name called was Vicki, my roommate. I could see how happy she was when she walked down to take her seat in front. I was so happy for her that I almost didn't hear my name called next.